Traffic fines are the order of the day. Thousands of drivers commit infractions every day for different reasons such as speeding, circulating looking at the mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol.
In this sense, in Spain the maximum organism that controls and regulates these infractions is The General Directorate of Traffic. Said entity is responsible for writing and sending the corresponding fines to the offenders. However, outside the national territory,
What happens if they put a fine of traffic abroad?
When they put a fine abroad, You usually receive a notification at your home And, above all In European Union countriesyou are obliged to pay it since there is international cooperation for the collection of sanctions.
It should not ignore the notification because the amount can be increased with automatic surchargesand you have the possibility to resort if you believe that the sanction is unfair, but you must respect the deadlines and norms of the country where the infraction occurred.
In case of not paying and returning to the issuing country, They can demand the payment on the border and even prevent you from entry if the infraction is serious. On the other hand, if the vehicle was rented, the company could charge you an additional penalty and facilitate your data to local authorities.
Normally the sanction does not affect the loss of Spanish driving license pointsbut some countries can restrict your right to drive in their territory if you have several infractions. Therefore, it is advisable to keep all the documentation, both of the fine and the payments or allegations presented, and consult international legal advice in case of serious doubts. It should not be paid if there is doubts about the legitimacy of the fine, because the payment involves taking responsibility.
What does the law say?
As explained by the General Directorate of Traffic, within the EU, European Union, there are agreements and initiatives that seek unification of criteria and facilitate the conduct of its citizens within the Union. For example, any European citizen can drive with their driving license in any EU member country without obtaining international permit or carrying out any procedure.
In the same way there is Eucaris initiative, European Car and Driving License Information Systemwhich allows information exchange between the different competent authorities in traffic within the EU and of which the DGT is part.
This cooperation between states allows Compart data on vehicle registration, driver’s licenses and personal data that accompany them. In this way, if you commit any infraction in the EU countries that are within the agreement, you will receive the complaint bulletin at your home.
What if it is outside the European Union?
If you decide not to pay the fine, in some cases, especially outside the European Union, The issuing country can open a judicial processalthough foreign accounts are not usual. Impos can affect future procedures if you travel again or try to drive in that country.
Therefore, The most advisable is to respond to notification, review all the information and opt for payment or the resource as it suits each situation